Z-Axis Quandry

[JavaDog]

I was curious, most people have dual linear slides on their Z-Axis...

But would a single slide like this:



work?? I would be using a Porter Cable 1 1/2 hp router, if that makes a difference.

[BigDaddyG]

JavaDog,
Yes, that will work just fine. That wide type of track is (somewhat) equal to using dual tracks. The ratings on that rail / track are going to be far and above what you need, and you save space and time. In my never to be humble opinion, go for it...It will work fine.
Regards,
Glen

[JavaDog]

Cool, that's what I was hoping for. It'll make the placement for the ballscrew a bit more tricky...but no big deal.

Any idea on what a fair (used) price for these is?

[pen25]

i have seen these going on ebay pretty cheap... like buy it nows for something like 20 bucks. i have to go back and check though

[pen25]

sorry they are 50 "This is a Brand New Precision Crossed Roller Slide Assembly manufactured by Del-Tron, No. RS2-3." not the same thing but looks to be much more stout

[JavaDog]

Originally Posted by pen25 sorry they are 50 "This is a Brand New Precision Crossed Roller Slide Assembly manufactured by Del-Tron, No. RS2-3." not the same thing but looks to be much more stout

Yeah, I've seen those. Some of them have great load-ratings (75lbs or better on some) but the travel is usually on 1" or 1.5". A wee bit smaller than the travel I was looking for.

I would imagine they would be great if you were doing a lot of 1/4" and 1/8" etching, sign-making, etc...

[pen25]

think the one i posted was 3" travel. I didnt see any as wide as you posted but did see a couple 1.5" wide i think for 14 bucks

[JavaDog]

Originally Posted by pen25 think the one i posted was 3" travel. I didnt see any as wide as you posted but did see a couple 1.5" wide i think for 14 bucks

How are you searching for them on ebay...I must not be finding all of them.

[pen25]

i just searched cnc also try linear slide

[Evodyne]

I usually search using linear rail AND linear slide (2 searches). Use wildcards: linear rail* will return linear rail and also linear rails (plural-most people sell them in pairs). Ditto linear slide: search for linear slide*. Also, just use the vendor names: THK, Thompson, and NSK.

The wildcard thing works well for motors too: step* motor* will return results for step motor(s), stepper motor(s), stepping motor(s), etc.

You might consider the ground round shafts with roller bearings for you axis.

Also, consider complete slides with motor mounts, rails, screws, limits, and so on. More money up front, but they are a "canned", pre-built solution and you can save in the long run.